DIY Request: AC Amplifier Replacement - Toyota Yaris Forums

YarMinor · 05-02-2013, 12:00 AM

I've been driving around in my hb for six years, suffering in silence over the fumundah cheese smell coming out of my vents. I recently came upon the TSB to replace the AC amplifier to eliminate HVAC odor. Of course the warranty for my 07 is long expired!

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has replaced this themselves and/or how difficult was it? I've done a few minor modifications to the car (Cruise control installation, etc.) and would like to know if it's out of my league.

Alternatively, would anyone happen to know what a dealer would charge for the replacement?

CTScott · 05-02-2013, 06:41 AM

It is very easy to replace, but it alone won't do much for the funk. The TSB also involves changing the evaportator within the airbox.

To access the AC Amplifier (ECU), simply pull back the corner of the carpet by the gas pedal and you will see it tucked into a notch in the airbox. Remove the 10mm bolt that secures it and disconnect the one or two connectors from it (cold are Yaris have two, non cold area have one).

YarMinor · 05-05-2013, 10:23 PM

I see. Thanks for the reply.

Is it much harder to change the evaporator? How much would a mechanic charge to replace it?

CTScott · 05-05-2013, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YarMinor

I see. Thanks for the reply.

Is it much harder to change the evaporator? How much would a mechanic charge to replace it?

The evaporator requires removing the entire dash and the support structure under it to then remove the airbox and disconnecting the evaporator and recovering the Freon. From there it needs to be opened to remove the evaporator. Labor would be somewhere between 4 and 8 hours.

fnkngrv · 05-05-2013, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YarMinor

I see. Thanks for the reply.

Is it much harder to change the evaporator? How much would a mechanic charge to replace it?

You would want a reputable Toyota dealership do the replacement and be sure that they have done them already successfully because several folks who have had it done have said that their dash has never been the same since.

dragoonmc · 05-05-2013, 10:46 PM

Does anyone know what was changed in the evaporator to correct that issue? or how the AC amplifier fits into the issue?

YarMinor · 05-09-2013, 12:10 PM

Bump for dragoonmc's answer.

Also, another post mentioned that the smell may be due to a drain clogging up somewhere? I couldn't find any more detail other than an AC drain clogging and/or backing up. Does anyone know how to check for this?

CTScott · 05-09-2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragoonmc

Does anyone know what was changed in the evaporator to correct that issue? or how the AC amplifier fits into the issue?

The evaporator itself. The TSBs are pretty vague, but my understanding is that they made some kind of a change (be it fin design or treatment of the aluminum) to prevent the evaporator from being part of the source of the stink. I would suspect that either the surface of the aluminum promotes bacteria adhesion and growth, or the layout of the fins causes condensate to not fully shed.

YarMinor · 05-09-2013, 01:54 PM

Just got off the phone with the dealer.

Amplifier - $400
Evaporator - $300
Six hours of Labor - $900

The smell sucks, but I'm not shelling out $1,600 for it. Wish I saw the TSB when it was still under warranty.......

He recommended cleaning and flushing the system for $109. Does that sound like it would change anything?

CTScott · 05-09-2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YarMinor

Just got off the phone with the dealer.

Amplifier - $400
Evaporator - $300
Six hours of Labor - $900

The smell sucks, but I'm not shelling out $1,600 for it. Wish I saw the TSB when it was still under warranty.......

He recommended cleaning and flushing the system for $109. Does that sound like it would change anything?

It would help temporarily.

05-02-2013, 12:00 AM	#1
YarMinor Drives: 2007 Meteorite Hatch Join Date: May 2011 Location: United States Posts: 16	DIY Request: AC Amplifier Replacement I've been driving around in my hb for six years, suffering in silence over the fumundah cheese smell coming out of my vents. I recently came upon the TSB to replace the AC amplifier to eliminate HVAC odor. Of course the warranty for my 07 is long expired! Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has replaced this themselves and/or how difficult was it? I've done a few minor modifications to the car (Cruise control installation, etc.) and would like to know if it's out of my league. Alternatively, would anyone happen to know what a dealer would charge for the replacement?

05-02-2013, 06:41 AM	#2
CTScott ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA, CT Posts: 13,460	It is very easy to replace, but it alone won't do much for the funk. The TSB also involves changing the evaportator within the airbox. To access the AC Amplifier (ECU), simply pull back the corner of the carpet by the gas pedal and you will see it tucked into a notch in the airbox. Remove the 10mm bolt that secures it and disconnect the one or two connectors from it (cold are Yaris have two, non cold area have one). __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DIY - Liftback Intermittent Wipers via Stalk Replacement (v2.0)	CTScott	DIY / Maintenance / Service	140	04-15-2023 07:12 PM
DIY Cruise Control FAQ (2006-2010 Yaris)	CTScott	DIY / Maintenance / Service	467	10-18-2022 10:20 AM
DIY Horn Replacement.	screenprintr	DIY / Maintenance / Service	9	12-29-2012 01:29 AM
Request: Colibri power window DIY	Taiyaki	DIY / Maintenance / Service	0	05-15-2009 03:26 AM
DIY needed for amplifier for sedan install	YarisSedan	In Car Entertainment + Electronics (audio / video / alarm)	2	02-27-2009 10:07 PM

05-05-2013, 10:23 PM	#3
YarMinor Drives: 2007 Meteorite Hatch Join Date: May 2011 Location: United States Posts: 16	I see. Thanks for the reply. Is it much harder to change the evaporator? How much would a mechanic charge to replace it?

05-05-2013, 10:46 PM	#6
dragoonmc Drives: 07 hatchback Join Date: May 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 118	Does anyone know what was changed in the evaporator to correct that issue? or how the AC amplifier fits into the issue?

05-09-2013, 12:10 PM	#7
YarMinor Drives: 2007 Meteorite Hatch Join Date: May 2011 Location: United States Posts: 16	Bump for dragoonmc's answer. Also, another post mentioned that the smell may be due to a drain clogging up somewhere? I couldn't find any more detail other than an AC drain clogging and/or backing up. Does anyone know how to check for this?

05-09-2013, 01:54 PM	#9
YarMinor Drives: 2007 Meteorite Hatch Join Date: May 2011 Location: United States Posts: 16	Just got off the phone with the dealer. Amplifier - $400 Evaporator - $300 Six hours of Labor - $900 The smell sucks, but I'm not shelling out $1,600 for it. Wish I saw the TSB when it was still under warranty....... He recommended cleaning and flushing the system for $109. Does that sound like it would change anything?